Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales has called on Government to detail its plan to protect citizens from a possible outbreak of the Ebola virus, after several Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, instituted Ebola screening for arriving travellers and Brazil tested and cleared two people of the virus.
Reports of Ebola – a highly infectious and acutely lethal viral disease – began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in April. So far, approximately 1,000 people have died. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a public health emergency and a matter of international concern.
The United States and Canada have restricted travel to their respective countries for persons from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for certain periods; and put screening and quarantine procedures in place.
The Bahamas banned residents from the three countries for 30 days and announced enhanced health screenings and possible quarantines for foreigners who were present in those countries. The Cayman Islands has implemented enhanced screening measures after a flight landed carrying two passengers who had been to the DRC.
Last Sunday, Brazil’s health authorities were monitoring two travellers for the virus. On Tuesday, testing revealed that they did not have Ebola.
That day Antigua and Barbuda announced an immediate halt to visa waivers for all travellers originating from African nations, and screening will now require people to fully disclose their travel history for the 45-day period prior to screening. Antigua also has advanced response protocols to address any potential threat.
Addressing the issue on Tuesday, Gonzales said, “The ministers should ‘awake’ and address the nation on critical matters affecting and threatening citizens. Brazil was testing persons, regional neighbours are implementing protocols to protect citizens – it’s a matter of serious concern for governments globally.
“But our Government’s yet to provide assurances or information on measures implemented or planned to protect T&T. It’s time to inform citizens on measures such as travel restrictions to affected regions, screening at ports, preparation of treatment facilities and resources for healthcare workers. Government cannot wait until a case arrives! They must follow the PNM’s example with COVID management, which secured T&T. “
Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe didn’t immediately reply to Guardian Media on the matter.
However, senior Health Ministry officials said authorities have been closely following the Ebola issue since reports began and had also noted Brazil’s testing. They assured that Government will be proactive on the matter and is aware of protocols that can be used.
Transport Minister Eli Zarkour didn’t reply on whether screening would be implemented at ports.
Using Parliament to extend SoE?
Meanwhile, with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander mum on Guardian Media queries on whether the State of Emergency would be extended after the June 17 deadline, Gonzales also challenged Government to say if they will use their majority in the House of Representatives to extend the SoE.
The Second Session of the Parliament’s term begins on Friday.
Gonzales said, “The SoE is a spectacular failure that never contained crime but has been weaponised by the UNC Government to suppress dissent and to ensure citizens don’t take to the streets by their thousands to demand this Government’s removal. The maxi taxi drivers’ current action is just an example of how people feel – betrayal and the disappointment are real and deep.”
He added, “The emergency regulations have done nothing to improve circumstances and law-abiding citizens are facing the brunt of the increased powers given to law enforcement by rights being emasculated daily.”
Gonzales claimed that contrary to what is being said, the 2026 murder rate is close to 170, and the rate of solving cases is approximately 10 per cent.
“… As the saying goes, ‘the longest rope has an end. Time longer than twine.’ The PM will soon learn that people power belongs to the people – not the Government. Judgement day will be swift for them all.”
